David Wayne HeitmanDavid Wayne Heitman of Kodiak, Alaska, passed away on March 7, 2015, at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska. He was 50 years old. He was born to Patrick and Carolyn Heitman on Oct. 31, 1964, in Reno, Nevada, near Stead Air Force Base, where his father was stationed. It was Nevada Centennial Day. In 1968, the family moved back to Kodiak, Patrick’s hometown, where David grew up. David was a natural...

The day Kodiak bid final farewell to 5 fishermenWhen the Rev. Debra Vanover spoke about the lives lost after the sinking of the fishing vessel Lin-J in 1999, she talked about how the tentacles of anguish gripped Kodiak’s tight-knit community. Exactly 16 years ago to this day, more than 700 people crowded into the auditorium to pay their final respects to Lin-J skipper Blake Kinnear, 49; Jason Conlon, 24; Marc “Shayne” Hill, 45; John McKerley, 39; and Aaron Mill...

Public Safety Blotter: March 18Feb. 15 Around 12:53 a.m., police conducted five bar checks downtown. At 2:12 a.m., police gave a no camping advisement on Mill Bay Road. At 5:14 a.m., a 911 caller reported a motor vehicle accident and malicious mischief on Selief Lane. A man was arrested on suspicion of criminal mischief in the fourth degree and disorderly conduct. At 11:33 a.m., police placed a wallet found on Rezanof Drive into evidence for sa...

Kodiak hospital gets awardProvidence Kodiak Island Medical Center received an award for high-quality care from a Medicare quality improvement organization, according to a Tuesday release. PKIMC received the 2014 Quality Achievement Award from Mountain-Pacific Quality Health. “Mountain-Pacific recognizes hospitals throughout Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, and Hawaii that are outstanding in their dedication to quality care, especially in the clin...

Siblings shatter state swim recordsThe sibling duo of Thana and Talon Lindquist combined to shatter four state swimming records at the Speedo Sectionals in Federal Way, Washington. Talon, a Kodiak High School freshman, broke three state records for the 15- and 16-year-old age group in the Western regional meet that concluded Sunday. Talon set new marks in the 200-yard backstroke (1 minute, 48.53 seconds), 200 freestyle (1:41.51) and 100 backstroke ...

All-state basketball teams announcedKodiak basketball was left out of this year’s all-state teams. The Bears and the ESS Ravens did not get a player voted to the Alaska Roof Coatings/Alaska Association of Basketball Coaches all-state teams that was announced over the weekend. The 4A boys first team was dominated by Cook Inlet Conference players and led by player of the year Da’Zhon Wyce of West Anchorage. Wasilla’s Alex Baham and Colony’s Bailey Wes...

Smoking bill divides Kodiak’s restaurant and bar owners An anti-smoking bill in the Alaska Legislature has sparked complaints among Kodiak’s restaurant and bar owners, who say the move shows state government’s latest attempt to infringe on private business. “If this law passes, we will allow government the right to tell you what you can and can’t do on private property,” said George Gatter Jr., owner of Tony’s Bar, described by a sign as the “biggest navigational hazar...

Outdoor Kodiak: The lowly codfishWhile I certainly relish the sweet taste of spring’s first halibut, that’s only part of the story. I’m happy with any fresh fish I can get so early in the year! At the top of our list of “alternate” sits the codfish. I know, I know…. Cod can be a royal nuisance when you have your heart set on king salmon or halibut. They steal bait and can be so numerous it’s hard to catch anything else. I get tired of them too wh...

Assembly agrees on weather service letterThe Kodiak Island Borough Assembly agreed to send a letter to the National Weather Service protesting potential reductions in staffing and hours at the local Kodiak station. Kodiak area Sen. Gary Stevens and Rep. Louise Stutes have already sent a joint letter to the director of the National Weather Service asking “that you reject any plan to reduce hours at the Kodiak facility.” The Kodiak office could potentially...

Help your community, veterans and their families The spirit of service is alive and well right here in Kodiak. So many people in our wonderful community want to do good for others but don’t know where to start. The American Legion Auxiliary can help. Faith, family and freedom are integral parts of our organization. Please stop by anytime at the Post and visit. We can also advise you of the many member benefits available. Please remember it’s only right that we, ...